Printing method and system for making a print from a photo picture frame and a graphic image written by a user

ABSTRACT

An image of a picture frame photographed on a photo film is displayed on a screen of an image input device, or is printed out as a hard copy. A graphic image is written by a user in the image of the picture frame, and graphic data of the graphic image is detected from the image of the picture frame having the graphic image written therein. The graphic data is associated with the picture frame, and is transferred from the user to a photofinisher through electronic transmission, or is recorded on a data recording medium which is forwarded to the photofinisher along with the photo film. A synthetic print containing the picture frame and the graphic image is made from the picture frame and the graphic data.

This is a continuation application of Ser. No. 10/293,699 filed Nov. 14,2002, which is a divisional application of Ser. No. 09/035,872 filedMar. 6, 1998, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,519,046. The entiredisclosures of the prior applications are considered part of thedisclosure of the accompanying divisional application and are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a printing method and system for makinga print from a photo picture frame and a graphic image written by auser, such as characters and drawings written by hand or a touch pen orthe like, or input through a keyboard, an image input terminal, acharacter recognition device, or the like. The present invention relatesalso to a method of editing photo picture frames on a screen, and anapparatus therefor.

2. Background Arts

A new type of photo film, called IX 240 type, has been developed andbrought into market. The IX 240 type photo film has a transparentmagnetic recording layer thereon, so it is possible to record data on orread data from the magnetic recording layer by a magnetic recordingdevice or a magnetic reading device, which may be incorporated into acamera, a film scanner, a photo printer, or a photographic imagereproduction device called photo player.

The data recorded for each picture frame by the camera may include theframe serial number, the date and time of photography, the exposurevalue used for the picture frame, the kind of light source, therequisite number of prints, the print format like panoramic size,high-vision size or conventional 35 mm film frame size. The printercontrols the print-exposure value, the number of prints made from eachpicture frame, and the print format based on the data read from themagnetic recording layer.

It has also been suggested to record data of titles, messages, notes, orgreetings, which are given by the photographer to selected pictureframes, on the magnetic recording layer in association with the selectedpicture frame, so the printer prints the title, note or message incombination with the picture frame.

However, it has been difficult to input and record data of appropriatewords through a camera. Therefore, the photographer is only allowed tochoose one of the options prepared in the camera, like “A Happy NewYear”, “Graduation Ceremony”, and the chosen title or message isrecorded in the form of a code. Besides, the photographer cannot freelychoose the position of the words relative to the picture frame, but isallowed to choose among several predetermined locations inside, outsideand backside the printed picture frame.

In the conventional cameras, the photographer cannot design the font orstyle of the merge-printed or superimposed characters. It is alsoimpossible for the photographer to enter data of handwritten charactersor drawings to synthesize them with the photographed picture frame.

Even though IX 240 photo film has the magnetic recording layer, cheapcompact cameras and lens-fitted photographic film units are not providedwith the magnetic recording device for the magnetic recording layer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is toprovide a printing method and system which allows making a print from aphoto picture frame and a graphic image written by the user, includingcharacters and drawings, without the need for recording data on themagnetic recording layer of the photo film or other data recordingmedium by the camera.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing methodwhich allows the user to add any image, including characters, drawings,and a still video image, to an image of a photo picture frame at anappropriate position in an appropriate style.

To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides a printingmethod for making a print from a picture frame photographed on a photofilm and a graphic image written by a user, and the method is comprisedof the following steps: picking up image data of the picture frame afterthe photo film is developed; making an image sample of the picture framebased on the image data of the picture frame; writing the graphic imagein the image sample at an appropriate position; detecting graphic dataof the graphic image from the image sample having the graphic imagewritten therein, the graphic data including a position of the graphicimage relative to the picture frame; and making a print based on thepicture frame and the graphic data, the print containing the graphicimage at the position designated by the graphic data.

According to the present invention, a printing system for making a printfrom a picture frame photographed on a photo film and a graphic imagewritten by a user is comprised of imaging means for picking image dataof the picture frame after the photo film is developed; image samplemaking means for making an image sample of the picture frame based onthe image data of the picture frame, the image sample making meansinstalled in a photofinisher; electronic transmission means for sendingthe image sample from the photofinisher to the user and for sending theimage sample having the graphic image written therein from the user backto the photofinisher; detection means for detecting graphic data of thegraphic image from the image sample having the graphic image writtentherein, the graphic data including a position of the graphic imagerelative to the picture frame, the detection means being installed inthe photofinisher; and printing means for making a print based on thepicture frame and the graphic data, the print containing the graphicimage at the position designated by the graphic data.

According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic transmission meansis facsimile, and the graphic image is written by hand on a hard copyprinted out through the facsimile.

The present invention also provides a printing method for making a printfrom a picture frame photographed on a photo film and an image added bya user, the method is comprised of the following steps: inputting IDdata of the picture frame in a data communication terminal; inputtingimage data of the image to add in the data communication terminal;storing the input image data of the image in association with the IDdata of the picture frame as a data file in the data communicationterminal; transferring the data file from the data communicationterminal to a data processing device installed in a photofinisher, asthe photo film is forwarded to the photofinisher for printing; andmaking a print containing the added image and the picture frame based onthe picture frame and the data file.

Another printing method of the present invention for making a print froma picture frame photographed on a photo film and an image added by auser is comprised of the following steps: inputting image data of theimage to add in a data communication terminal; transferring the inputimage data from the data communication terminal to a data recordingdevice; recording the input image data on a data recording medium by thedata recording device in association with the picture frame; and makinga print containing the picture frame and the added image from thepicture frame and the input image data read out from the data recordingmedium.

The data recording medium is preferably a magnetic recording layer ofthe photo film, while the data recording device is a magnetic recordingdevice which is incorporated into a camera or into a photographic imagereproduction device. The photographic image reproduction device picks upimage data of the picture frame from the photo film after beingdeveloped, and displays an image of the picture frame.

Another printing method of the present invention for making a print froma picture frame photographed on a photo film and a graphic image writtenby a user is comprised of the following steps: inputting graphic data ofthe graphic image through an image input device; inputting edit commanddata for designating printing style of the graphic image on the print;recording the graphic data and the edit command data on a data recordingmedium in association with the picture frame; reading the graphic dataand the edit command data from the data recording medium; modifying thegraphic data with the edit command data; and making a print containingthe picture frame and the graphic image in the designated printingstyle, based on the picture frame and the modified graphic data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings,which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitativeof the present invention, wherein like reference numerals designate likeor corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a synthetic printing systemaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are plan views illustrating an example ofsynthetic-print ordering form used in the synthetic printing system ofFIG. 1, before and after being filled with words to synthesize;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of ordering and makingsynthetic prints that uses the synthetic printing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating another example of synthetic printordering form used in the synthetic printing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating another method of ordering andmaking synthetic prints that uses personal computers instead offacsimile apparatuses;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating another method of ordering andmaking synthetic prints;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data input system forinputting data of a graphic image to synthesize with a photographicimage, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of inputting andsynthesizing words as a graphic image with a photographic image usingthe data input system of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data input system using aphoto player according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of writing wordson a data communication terminal apparatus;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view illustrating another example of writingwords on the data communication terminal apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating essential features ofa data input system according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram illustrating essential features ofa data input system according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram illustrating essential features ofa data input system according to still another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a camera with a data inputdevice for inputting data of a graphic image to synthesize with aphotographic image;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view illustrating an IX 240 type filmstrip;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a printer for use with the camera ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an operation sequence of the cameraof FIG. 15;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are explanatory views illustrating one pixel of thegraphic image and an ornamental pattern corresponding to the one pixel;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are explanatory views illustrating a portion of agraphic image and a corresponding portion of a modified image obtainedby converting each pixel into the ornamental pattern of FIG. 19B;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating an operation sequence of theprinter of FIG. 17;

FIGS. 22A and 22B are explanatory views illustrating a portion of agraphic image and a corresponding portion of a modified image obtainedby converting each pixel into another ornamental pattern;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are explanatory views illustrating an example ofproducing an ornamental pattern from a part of a photographic image;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are explanatory views illustrating portion of agraphic image and a corresponding portion of a modified image obtainedby converting each pixel into the ornamental pattern of FIG. 23B;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are explanatory views illustrating an example ofproducing an ornamental pattern from a drawing;

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of a printer for making a syntheticprint, wherein a graphic image is printed by a digital printing sectionafter a picture frame is printed at one exposure onto color photographicpaper;

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of a printer for making a syntheticprint, wherein a graphic image is printed in the same exposure stationas used for printing a picture frame on color photographic paper;

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image editing monitoringapparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 29 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of display on amonitor screen of the image editing monitoring apparatus of FIG. 28 inan edition mode;

FIG. 30 is an explanatory view illustrating a frame shape selectiontable available on the monitor screen in the edition mode;

FIG. 31 is a table diagram illustrating an example of edit data storedin an edit memory of the image editing monitoring apparatus of FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 is an explanatory view illustrating a display time duration setup table available on the monitor screen in the edition mode;

FIG. 33 is an explanatory view illustrating an example oftime-sequential display of several edition processes on a pasteboardarea in a monitor mode; and

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printer-processorapplicable to making a hard copy of an image of the pasteboard area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a synthetic printing system 10 constituted of a filmscanner 11 and a digital printer 12, which are installed in a photo-labof a photofinisher, and of a facsimile device (FAX) 13 installed in auser that orders printing to the photofinisher. The film scanner 11 isconstituted of a film carrier 15, an imaging section 16, an input imagememory 17, a process controller 18, an image processor 20, a work memory21, a data memory 22, and a fax modem 23.

The film carrier 15 consists of several pairs of film feed rollers 30and a motor 31 for rotating the feed rollers 30. The motor 31 is drivenby a process controller 18 through a driver 31 a to feed a developedphoto film 32 successively to an imaging stage 33. The imaging section16 is disposed above the imaging stage 33, whereas a light sourcesection 34 is disposed below the imaging stage 33. The light sourcesection 34 consists of a fluorescent light tube 35 emitting light withsuitable properties for the photo film 32, a reflector 36 and adiffusion plate 37. The imaging section 16 consists of a lens and a lineimage sensor. The imaging section 16 scans the image of each pictureframe on the photo film 32 synchronously with the film feeding, anddetects three color separated image data. The image data is written inthe input image memory 17.

The image processor 20 extracts those image data pieces belonging to theindividual picture frame from the image data written in the input imagememory 17. Specifically, the image processor 20 detects an edge of onepicture frame and determines one image area based on the detected edgeand a predetermined film feeding length for one picture frame. Then, theimage processor 20 sorts out the image data pieces contained in theimage area. Thereafter, the image processor 20 processes the image datapieces to correct gradation, density and color balance. If the photofilm 32 is a negative film, the image processor 20 conducts anegative-to-positive conversion.

The image processor 20 also produces image samples to be made from thepicture frames on the photo film 32. The process controller 18 sendsdata of the image samples through the fax modem 23 to the FAX 13, so theFAX 13 prints out a hard copy P1 of the image samples F. As shown forexample in FIG. 2A, the image samples F of six picture frames areprinted as black-and-white half-tone images on an A4-size sheet 40. Whenthe photo film 32 is a 24-exposure filmstrip, four sheets 40 containingsix image samples F each are printed out in series from the FAX 13.

The fax number of the user is written on a designated envelope when thephoto film 32 is received from the user to the photofinisher or thephotofinisher's agency, and is input through a keyboard 26 into the filmscanner 11 prior to scanning the photo film 32 of that user. It isalternatively possible to input the fax number into a receptionprocessing device at the photofinisher or the photofinisher's agency, tosend the fax number from the reception processing device to the filmscanner 11.

Under each image sample F are provided a frame number N and a frame IDbar code B. The frame ID bar code B is composed of a reception numberand the frame number of each picture frame. The reception number isgiven to each individual photo film 32 upon receipt of the photo film 32to the photofinisher or the photofinisher's agency. The reception numberand its bar code are printed on a label, and the label is put on anot-shown designated envelope for the photo film 32 as well as on thephoto film 32. Below the six image samples F are printed a user IDnumber 41 and its bar code 42 as well as a reception number 43 and itsbar code 44, wherein the reception number 43 is identical to thereception number of the photo film 32. The user uses each sheet 40containing the image samples F and their related data as asynthetic-print ordering form P1.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the user can handwrite words M1 to M4 directly inthe image samples F of desired picture frames on the synthetic-printordering form P1 in appropriate styles. A synthetic-print ordering formfilled with the words M1 to M4 will be hereinafter referred to as thesynthetic-print ordering paper P2. Thereafter, the user sends thesynthetic-print ordering paper P2 back to the photofinisher through theFAX 13. The content of the synthetic-print ordering paper P2 isconverted into image data through a fax modem 23, and is sent to theimage processor 20.

The image processor 20 compares the content of the synthetic-printordering paper P2 with the content of the corresponding synthetic-printordering form P1, to extract data of the words M1 to M4 written by theuser, including the position within the picture frame and the density ofpixels constituting the words M1 to M4. Thereafter, the image processor20 treats the data of the words M1 to M4 with necessary processing stepsfor compounding or synthesizing it with the image data, such asresolution matching, noise reduction, smoothing, color conversion intodesignated colors. Character image data obtained through these processesis then synthesized with the image data of the designated pictureframes. The synthetic image data is sent to the digital printer 12.

The process controller 18 is a microcomputer which controls therespective elements of the film scanner 11 in a sequential fashion, toexecute the above described operations of the film scanner 11. For thispurpose, a mouse 27 and a monitor 28 are also connected to the processcontroller 18.

Based on the synthetic image data, the digital printer 12 scans aphotographic material with a printing light beam to record a syntheticimage on the photographic material. The photographic material is heatdeveloped, and the recorded image is transferred to an image receptivesheet, producing a hard copy 45 of the picture frame synthesized withthe words. The digital printer 12 is not to be limited to the heatdeveloped transfer printer, but may be a silver-salt photographicprinter, an ink-jet printer, an ink transfer thermal printer, a directthermosensitive printer.

Now the operation sequence of the synthetic printing system 10 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 3.

First, the user orders the photofinisher to develop a photo film andsynthesize words with photographic images. If the user is not registeredwith the photofinisher, the photofinisher gives a user ID number to theuser, and registers the user's name, address, telephone number, faxnumber and other user data. Thereafter, a reception number is given tothe individual photo film by putting a label with the reception numberand its bar code onto the photo film 32 and the designated envelopeenclosing the photo film. Instead of using the reception number, it ispossible to use a serial number in combination with each user ID number,or an ID number that is previously printed on the designated envelope.

The exposed photo film is developed in a conventional manner, and thedeveloped photo film 32 is set in the film scanner 11. The film scanner11 feeds the photo film 32 continuously through the film carrier 15, andscans the photo film through the imaging section 16 synchronously withthe film feeding. The three color image data detected through theimaging section 16 is written for each color in the input image memory17. The image processor 20 extracts those image data pieces which belongto each picture frame from the three color image data written in theinput image memory 17. The image processor 20 produces a black-and-whitehalf-tone image as an image sample from the image data of each pictureframe, and composes data of the synthetic-print ordering form P1containing six image samples F in one sheet. The data of thesynthetic-print ordering form P1 is sent to the FAX 13 of the user. Ifthe photo film 32 is 24-exposure type, four sheets of synthetic-printordering form P1 are printed out through the FAX 13 on A4 size sheets40.

The user observes the image samples F on the synthetic-print orderingform P1, and writes appropriate words M1 to M4 in the image samples F ofdesired picture frames. Thus, the synthetic-print ordering paper P2filled with the words M1 to M4 is sent back to the photofinisher throughthe FAX 13. The fax modem 23 converts the content of the synthetic-printordering paper P2 into image data, and sends it to the work memory 21and the image processor 20.

The image processor 20 extracts the content of the words M1 to M4 asimage data by comparing the synthetic-print ordering form P1 with thesynthetic-print ordering paper P2. The image processor 20 thendetermines the position of the words M1 to M4 in the synthetic-printordering paper P2, and synthesizes the character image data of each unitof the words M1 to M4 with the pictorial image data of the associatedpicture frame based on the determined position.

The synthetic image data is sent to the digital printer 12, which printsout a hard copy 45 containing the image of the picture frame synthesizedwith the words M1. A simulation image of the hard copy of the pictureframe synthesized with the words M1 may be displayed on the monitor 28for visual confirmation.

Due to the sending and receiving process through the FAX 13, i.e. theimage printing on the sheet 40 and the image reading from the sheet 40,the image quality of the synthetic-print ordering paper P2 gets worsethan that of the synthetic-print ordering format P1 at the photofinisherside. Therefore, it is desirable to cope with the quality deteriorationby use of a density reference chart, by limiting the density range,and/or by taking an edge imaging method or the like.

FIG. 4 shows an example of using a density reference chart, wherein agray scale 46 is sent as a density reference chart together with asynthetic-print ordering form P3. The gray scale 46 consists of 256tonal levels ranging from 0 to 255. The photofinisher compares the grayscale 46 on a synthetic-print ordering paper corresponding thesynthetic-print ordering form P3 as received from the user, with theoriginal gray scale 46, to determine the quality deteriorationcharacteristics. The photofinisher then determines correction amountsfor compensating for the deterioration. Thereby, the deterioration ismostly corrected.

Limiting the density range is to limit the maximum density level of thesending images to be lower than the maximum density given by the densityresolution power of the FAX 13 on the user side. In that case, the useris required to write the words in the received ordering form by use ofblack ink. As the words written by the black ink constitute the maximumdensity portions on the ordering paper, it is easy to extract the wordsfrom the image data received from the user through the FAX 13 and thefax modem 23.

According to the edge imaging method, the sending images are subjectedto an edge extraction process, binarizing and thinning. Thereby, theedges or the contour of the images are provided as image samples of therespective picture frames. The user can write the words into the imagesamples even if the image samples only schematically show the scenes ofthe respective picture frames. The photofinisher receives binarizedimage data consisting of the synthesized words and the contour of thescene from the user, and extracts the synthesized words based on thedifference between the received image data and the sent image data. Ifsome characters of the synthesized words overlap or cross the scenecontour, pixels of the overlapped part are subjected to a dilation anderosion process to recover the continuity of the synthesized words.

When the density resolution power of the FAX 13 is large enough, it isunnecessary to binarize the image data. Furthermore, it is possible toselect appropriate one or more of the above compensation methodsaccording to the density resolution power of the FAX 13. For example,the photofinisher initially checks the density resolution power of theFAX 13 of one user by use of the synthetic-print ordering form P3 withthe density reference chart 46, and memorizes the density resolutionpower with the user's address, name, fax number, and other user-relateddata in the form of a data base. Thereafter, based on the densityresolution power retrieved from the data base, an optimum method isselected for each FAX 13.

In a case where the FAX 13 can only print out a hard copy on a sheet ofa different size, e.g. B5 or B4, from the original size, i.e. A4 size,the subsequent synthetic-print ordering paper will be sent back to thephotofinisher in the different size from the original. In order toensure extracting the synthesized words even on the different sizesheets, it is necessary to correlate the respective picture frames byuse of the frame number bar codes B, and adjust the positions of thepicture frames by use of frame marks. The frame borders bounding therespective picture frames are printed in different sizes, so it ispossible to determine the print magnification rate with reference to theframe borders. Based on the determined print magnification rate, eachreceived image sample is enlarged or reduced to adjust to the size ofthe originally sent image samples.

It is possible to provide a blank in the synthetic-print ordering formfor writing other orders therein. For example, the blank includes areprinting order cell, a trimming order cell, a main subject designatingcell, and so forth. In the reprinting order cell, the user can write thenumbers of the picture frames to reprint the requisite number of printsto be made from the individual picture frame. The trimming order cell isfor writing a trimming order. In addition, a trimming frame is writtenon the image sample of the picture frame to trim. The main subjectdesignating cell is for designating the main subject within a scene. Amain subject is designated by circling it on the image sample of thepicture frame concerned. Thereby, the photofinisher can finish the printso as to make the designated main subject optimum. It is possible todesignate color and line width of characters of the synthetic-print.

According to the above embodiment, the synthetic-print ordering form P1and the synthetic-print ordering paper P2 are faxed through the FAX 13between the photofinisher and the user. But it is also possible to sendthe synthetic-print ordering form and paper through personal computers(PC), as shown in FIG. 5. In that case, the synthetic-print orderingform P1 is displayed on the display device of the personal computer, andthe words to synthesize are written on the displayed image through akeyboard, a mouse, a light pen, or the like. Data of the written wordsare transferred to the photofinisher along with data of the frameborders and the bar code of each image sample. In this case, thephotofinisher does not need to extract the words from the image databased on the difference between the data sent to the user and the datareceived from the user, so that data communication for thesynthetic-printing between the user and the photofinisher will be moresimplified.

It is possible to make a hard copy of the synthetic-print ordering formthrough a printer that is connected to the personal computer, and writethe words on the hard copy of the ordering form. In that case, the hardcopy of the ordering form filled with the words, i.e. thesynthetic-print ordering paper, is scanned through an image scanner thatis connected to the personal computer, so the scanned data of thesynthetic-print ordering paper is transferred to the photofinisher. Thephotofinisher extracts data of the words from the received data based onthe difference between the originally sent data and the received data.

Instead of extracting the data of the words, it is possible to send onlythe data of the words to the photofinisher. In that case, the framenumber and frame borderlines of each picture frame are displayed on thedisplay device of the personal computer, to permit writing the wordsinside the frame borderlines. It is also possible to write the words ina particular color different from black, scan the ordering paper by acolor scanner, and extract data of the words by designating theparticular color. Thereafter, the extracted data of the words is sent tothe photofinisher along with data of the frame borderlines and the framenumber bar code of the associated picture frame.

The user can write in the words to synthesize on the synthetic-printordering form that is printed out through a printer installed in thephotofinisher or the photofinisher's agency, as shown in FIG. 6. Theuser can also enter the words on the personal computer at thephotofinisher by use of a mouse, a light pen, or the like.

When writing in the words on the synthetic-print ordering form, theimage samples on the ordering form are preferably constituted of linedrawings produced through edge extraction of the images. In that case,it is desirable to prepare an index print containing reduced images ofall picture frames taken on one filmstrip so the user may refer to theindex print when writing the words in the image samples consisting ofline drawings.

In the above embodiment, each synthetic-print ordering form is printedout on an A4 size sheet, and contains six image samples. But the size ofthe ordering form and the number of image samples may varyappropriately.

The photo film 32 can be ISO 135 type or IX 240 type, or any other type.Since the IX 240 type photo filmstrip is previously provided with a filmID number each, it is unnecessary to give a new one to the filmstrip atthe time of reception. In addition, it is possible to record the data ofthe words to synthesize on the magnetic recording layer of the IX 240type photo filmstrip. The data on the magnetic recording layer can beused for reproducing the image synthesized with the words at thereprinting or on a photo player that displays the image based on imagedata picked up from the photo filmstrip.

Although the above embodiment has been described with respect to thosecases where words are synthesized with photographic images, thesynthetic printing system of the present invention is applicable tosynthesizing any graphic image written by the user, illustrations anddrawings, with the photographic image in the same way as for the words.

Although the above embodiment uses the digital printer 12 alone, it ispossible, for those picture frames having no additional image, tosynthesize to use a conventional photo printer which records a pictureframe at one exposure.

FIG. 7 shows a data input system for inputting data of a graphic imageto synthesize with a photographic image photographed by a camera,according to an embodiment of the invention. The graphic image may becharacters, illustrations, or drawings. The data input system consistsof the camera 50 and a data communication terminal apparatus 51.Hereinafter, the data communication terminal apparatus 51 will be simplycalled the data terminal. In this embodiment, the camera 50 is designedfor use with an IX 240 type photo film cartridge 52. The camera 50 has adevice for recording photo data on the transparent magnetic recordinglayer 53 a of a photo filmstrip 53 of IX 240 type through a magnetichead 54. The camera 50 also has a device for sending data of a film IDnumber of the loaded filmstrip 53 and a frame serial number of eachpicture frame as soon as it is photographed to an external apparatusthrough a connector 55 and a connection cord 56. In this embodiment, thefilm ID number is a cartridge ID number recorded on a label on the filmcartridge 52, which is read by a reading device provided in the camera50.

As shown in FIG. 7, the data terminal 51 is an electronic pocketbookwith an LCD 60 and a touch pen 61. The data terminal 51 functions as acalendar, a memo book, and an address book like a conventionalelectronic pocketbook. The data terminal 51 also functions as a datacommunication device for communicating data with other data terminalssuch as other electronic pocketbooks and personal computers, and withthe camera 50 of the present invention as well. However, the dataterminal 51 is not limited to the electronic pocketbook, but may be anyother apparatus having a data input device such as a touch pen, a touchpanel sensor, a light pen, a keyboard or the like.

As shown in FIG. 8, each time a picture frame is photographed by thecamera 50, data of the photography date and time, data for improving thequality of print, data of the requisite number of prints, data of printtype, and other various data is recorded on the magnetic recording layer53 a. Concurrently, the number of photographed picture frames is storedin a memory of the camera 50, and is displayed on a display device ofthe camera 50. It is possible to display the number of still availablepicture frames in place of the number of photographed picture frames.

Thereafter, the camera 50 is connected to the data terminal 51 throughthe connection cord 56. Thereby, the film ID number and the frame serialnumber of the just photographed picture frame are sent as film ID dataand frame ID data to the data terminal 51.

When the photographer wishes to synthesize words with the image of thepicture frame, the words are written in a handwriting area on the LCD 60by use of the touch pen 61. The user may choose whether to synthesizethe handwritten characters of the words directly as they are or afterconverting into printing types of an appropriate font. When the userchooses the handwritten characters, the words are stored as handwritingdata in a memory 62. When the printing types are chosen, character dataobtained through a character recognition process is stored in the memory62.

In the data terminal 51, a data file is prepared for one picture frame.The data file consists of a header section and a data section. Theheader section consists of file name data, the film ID data and theframe ID data. The file name data is used for identifying eachindividual data file within the data terminal 51. The data sectionconsists of the handwriting data or the character data. For brevitysake, the handwriting data and the character data will commonly bereferred to as word data. If the photographer wishes to synthesize thesame words with a plurality of picture frames, frame serial numbers ofthese picture frames are registered as the frame ID data in the datafile.

When the filmstrip 53 is forwarded to a photofinisher for developmentand printing, the data files are transferred to a memory deviceinstalled in the photofinisher. The photofinisher reads out the datafiles from the memory device, synthesizes the word data with image dataof the assigned picture frame to print the picture frame with the words,and makes a synthetic print containing the image of the picture framecombined with the words. Instead of merge-printing the words in theimage of the picture frame, it is possible to print the words on theback side of the photo prints. In that case, back-print designation datais recorded in the header section of the corresponding data file. It isalternatively possible to transfer the data file through telephone linesto a photofinisher's data base.

Data communication between the camera 50 and the data terminal 51 may bea cordless type. For example, an infrared transmission, an electronicwave transmission or the like is available.

To apply the data input system to a lens-fitted photo film unit or acheap camera that has no magnetic recording device, the photographerinputs the word data through the data terminal 51 in association withthe frame serial number alone. Thereafter, when the exposed film unit orthe photo filmstrip exposed in the cheap camera is forwarded to thephotofinisher, the film ID data of the concerned filmstrip is added tothe data files, and the data files are transferred to the memory deviceof the photofinisher.

As a cartridge ID number is not readable from the film unit during thephotography, a previously registered user ID number may be registered inthe data file as a film ID number, or a reception number given at thetime of print order reception may be used as a film ID number. The userID number or the reception may be kept being used as the film ID numberthroughout the printing, or may be rewritten with the cartridge IDnumber before the printing as the photo film cartridge is removed fromthe unit body.

Since the camera 50 records the date and time of photography on themagnetic recording layer of the filmstrip at each photography, it ispreferable to record the time when the words are written on the dataterminal 51 along with the word data. Thereby, it becomes unnecessary totransfer the film ID data and the frame ID data from the camera 50 tothe data terminal 51. The photographer has only to forward the datafiles together with the photo film cartridge to the photofinisher on theprint ordering. The photofinisher correlates each picture frame with theword data whose writing time is later than and nearest to thephotography time of the picture frame, when making a synthetic-print.

According to another method of the present invention, the data file istransferred from the data terminal 51 to the camera 50, and the worddata is recorded on the magnetic recording layer 53 a of the filmstrip53 through the magnetic head 54 in association with the respectivepicture frames. Word data may be input in the data terminal 51 andtransferred to the camera 50 prior to the photography. In that case, theword data is recorded on the magnetic recording layer 53 a while thefilmstrip 53 is advanced by one frame after the photography of onepicture frame. It is alternatively possible to record the word data forthe respective designated picture frames while the filmstrip 53 isrewound into the cartridge 52 after the completion of all availableexposures. In that case, the data terminal 51 prepares the word data inassociation with each designated picture frame, and transfers it to thecamera 50.

Word data may also be input after the development of photo films. FIG. 9shows a data input system for developed photographic images, wherein aphoto film cartridge 52 containing a developed photo filmstrip 53 is setin a conventional photo player 63. The photo player 63 displays eachpicture frame of the filmstrip 53 on a monitor 68, so the user can inputwords in the data terminal 51 by writing the words on the LCD 60 by useof the touch pen 61, while observing the monitor 68. The photo player 63is provided with a scanning section 64 for imaging the respectivepicture frames of the filmstrip 53, and an image processing section 65for processing image data from the scanning section 64 to display theindividual picture frame on the monitor 68 based on the image data. Thephoto player 63 is further provided with a magnetic read-write head 66and a read-write section 67, so the photo player 63 can read the film IDnumber and the frame serial number from the magnetic recording layer 53a of the filmstrip 53. The read-write section 67 sends data of the filmID number and the frame serial number to the data terminal 51 through aconnection cord 68. The data terminal 51 produces a data file for onepicture frame in the same way as described above. The data files aretransferred from the data terminal 51 to the memory device of thephotofinisher, so that the photofinisher makes prints synthesized withthe words.

Instead of transferring the data files from the data terminal 51 to thememory device of the photofinisher, it is possible to transfer the datafiles to the photo player 63. Then, the photo player 63 records the worddata on the magnetic recording layer 53 a in association with thedesignated picture frames through the read-write section 67 and themagnetic read-write head 56. In this case, it is unnecessary to bringthe data terminal 51 to the photofinisher.

As a data communication terminal for inputting word data in combinationwith the photo player 63, a personal computer may be used in place ofthe data terminal 51. It is also possible to use a film scanner incombination with a personal computer for reproducing images of thepicture frames on the developed filmstrip 53, without using the photoplayer 63. In that case, the user input word data in the personalcomputer by use of a mouse, a touch pen or the like, while the concernedpicture frame is displayed on the personal computer. The word data isrecorded on the magnetic recording layer 53 a of the filmstrip 53 if thefilm scanner has a magnetic recording device. If not, data files areprepared in the personal computer, and are written in a data recordingmedium such as a floppy disc. Then, the data recording medium isforwarded to the photofinisher.

According to another embodiment, ID code data is stored in the memory 62of the data terminal 51 along with each word data assigned to onepicture frame. The ID code data has a much shorter length than the worddata. Only the ID code data is transferred to the camera 50 or the photoplayer 63, and is written on the magnetic recording layer 53 a of thefilmstrip 53. Thereafter, the word data and the ID code data aretransferred from the data terminal 51 to the memory device of thephotofinisher. According to this method, a larger number of words can besynthesized with the photo print compared with the above embodimentswhere the word data itself is written on the magnetic recording layer 53a of the filmstrip 53 through the camera 50 or the photo player 63.

In order to designate the merge position of the words in the pictureframe, the user may display frame borderlines FL on the LCD 60 of thedata terminal 51, draw a balloon Al at an appropriate position insidethe borderlines FL, and write the words M5 in the balloon Al by hand, asshown for example in FIG. 10. The words M5 may be synthesized ashandwritten characters with the photographed image, or if desired, asprinting types of an appropriate font. It is possible to display thewords M5 in the designated font. It is also possible to write in wordsM6 on the LCD 60 at an appropriate position inside the borderlines FL,without drawing a balloon, as shown for example in FIG. 11.

It is possible to use a voice recognition device as the data terminalfor synthesizing words with the photographic image of the picture frame.In that case, the voice recognition device 70 converts the voice intoelectronic data representative of the meanings expressed by the voice,and the electronic data is converted into character data through a wordand graphic character processor 71, as shown in FIG. 12. Thus, the wordsof the voice are synthesized as graphic characters with the photographicimage on a print.

It is also possible to synthesize a pictorial image with thephotographic image of the picture frame. Image data of the pictorialimage to synthesize may be obtained from still image data or movie imagedata, and the image data is compressed or encoded before being stored ina recording medium or memory, as shown in FIG. 13. The original imagedata of the pictorial image is reproduced from the compressed image datathrough an image processor 72, and the original image data issynthesized with the image data of the picture frame, making a syntheticimage print.

According to another embodiment shown in FIG. 14, a data terminalprovided with a mapping device 73, which refers to a map database 74 toretrieve map data of a location designated by location data. Thelocation data contains numerical data such as a latitude and a longitudeof the location, and/or other data such as the name of the location. Themap data is synthesized with image data of a picture frame, so that amap of an area around the designated location is merge-printed with thepicture frame. The location data may be obtained through a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) that allows it to determine the presentlocation based on satellite communication signals.

The data input system of the present invention is not limited to the usewith IX 240 type filmstrips, but also applicable to ISO 135 typefilmstrips or other type photo film having no magnetic recording layer.In that case, the data to synthesize with the image data of the pictureframe is written with the frame ID data on a recording medium, and therecording medium is forwarded to the photofinisher, together with theexposed photo film for printing.

FIG. 15 shows a camera with a data input device for inputting data of agraphic image that the photographer wishes to synthesize with an imagephotographed by the camera. The graphic image may be characters,illustrations, drawings, or the like. The camera has a camera body 80for loading an IX 240 type photo film cartridge 81. A photo filmstrip 82is withdrawn from the photo film cartridge 81 one frame after another,and is wound up onto a take-up spool 83. An exposure aperture 84 isformed between the photo film cartridge 81 and the take-up spool 83.

A shutter 85 opens for a time determined by the subject brightness inresponse to a shutter release operation. While the shutter 85 opens,light traveling through a taking lens 86 and a half mirror 87 falls ontoa film surface of the filmstrip 82 positioned behind the exposureaperture 84. The half mirror 87 may be replaced with a full-reflectionmirror that is retracted from a light path of the taking lens 86.

The light reflected from the half mirror 87 is projected through a lens89 onto a CCD 90, so that a movie image of the photographic field of thetaking lens 86 is displayed on a display device 101, e.g. an LCD panel,based on image data obtained through the CCD 90. That is, the displaydevice 101 serves as a viewfinder of the camera during the photography.As soon as the shutter 85 is released, image data from the CCD 90 iswritten in an image memory 91. Thus, the image data stored in the imagememory 91 represents the same image as the latest picture frame on thefilmstrip 82.

A magnetic head 92 is provided behind the exposure aperture 84 to recorddata on a transparent magnetic recording layer that is formed on a backside surface of the filmstrip 82. The data may include data relating toan image to synthesize with the image data of the photographed image,print option data designating a print format and the requisite number ofprints, and date data indicating the date of photography. A controller95 controls the shutter 85, the CCD 90, the magnetic head 92, anot-shown film feeding device including a motor, and other elements ofthe camera 80 in accordance with a program stored in a memory 96.

A lid member 100 is hinged to the camera body 80, and the display device101 is mounted to the lid member 100. The display device 101 isconnected to the controller 95. A power source is automatically turnedon when the lid member 100 opens. Not shown transparent electrodes arebonded to the surface of the display device 101, which are used as atablet digitizer. A touch pen 102 for inputting data through the tabletdigitizer, and a keyboard 103 are provided on the lid member 100. By useof the touch pen 102, the photographer can add a graphic image,including handwritten words, illustrations and drawings, onto aphotographic image of the picture frame as displayed on the displaydevice 101. Then, data of the graphic image is stored in the memory 96,and is recorded on the magnetic recording layer of the filmstrip 82 inassociation with the related picture frame. The keyboard 103 includesalphanumeric keys, an enter key, a delete key, an escape key and soforth, and is used for inputting command data.

It is possible to display the operation menus on the display device 101so the photographer can select a menu to execute the photography or thedata input operation in a predetermined sequence by the touch pen 102.It is alternatively possible to provide the display device 101 with atouch panel sensor for allowing data input by touching the displaydevice 101 by the finger.

FIG. 16 shows an example of developed filmstrip 82. The filmstrip 82 hasperforations 82 a and 82 b which are arranged in pairs at regularintervals. The camera controls feeding the filmstrip 82 by one frameamount with reference to the second perforation 82 b of each pair, so apicture frame 105 is recorded in an area between the perforation pairs.The magnetic recording layer is provided on the whole back side surfaceof the filmstrip 82, and a magnetic track 106 a is used for thephotofinisher to record print order data, print-exposure correction dataand so forth. A magnetic track 106 b is used for recording the printoption data, the date data, and graphic data. The graphic datarepresents a graphic image input through the display device 101 by useof the touch pen 102. The positions of the magnetic tracks 106 a and 106b are not to be limited to those shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 17 shows a printer according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. When the photo film cartridge 81 is set in the printer, thedeveloped filmstrip 82 is withdrawn from the photo film cartridge 81toward a scanner 108. The scanner 108 scans the respective pictureframes on the filmstrip 82 to pick up image data of the picture frames.The image data is sent to a controller 109. The scanner 108 may have anarea image sensor or a line image sensor. In case of the area imagesensor, the filmstrip 82 is transported intermittently, and the scanner108 scans one picture frame at each intermittence. In case of the lineimage sensor, the scanner 108 scans the picture frames line by linewhile the filmstrip 82 is continuously transported.

As the filmstrip 82 is transported, a magnetic head 110 reads the datafrom the magnetic tracks 106 a, and sends the data to the controller109. Simultaneously, a magnetic head 111 reads the data from themagnetic tracks 106 b, and sends the data to the controller 109. Thecontroller 109 reproduces the graphic image from the graphic data andthe command data as being read from one magnetic track 106 b, andsynthesizes the graphic image with the photographic image of theassociated picture frame. Subsequent synthetic image data is sent to adigital printing section 112, so the synthetic image is printed on colorphotographic paper 113. The digital printing section 112 may be a Laserline printer, a frame exposure type printer using a CRT or a LCD, or thelike.

A back-printing section 114 is provided for printing a frame serialnumber within the filmstrip 82, the print-exposure correction data, aprint order number, a photo-lab ID number, and so forth on the back sideof the color photographic paper 113. The back-printing section 114consists of an ink ribbon cassette and a wire dot printing head. Anornamental data table 115 stores a plurality of predetermined ornamentalpatterns, each of which may be addressed by a table number. The printerof FIG. 17 and the camera of FIG. 15 constitute a synthetic printingsystem.

Now, the operation of the synthetic printing system of FIGS. 15 and 17will be described.

To take a photograph, the photographer opens the lid member 100 to turnthe power source on. Then, image data is sent from the CCD 90 to thedisplay device 101, displaying a movie image of the photographic field.The photographer may operate the keyboard 103 to designate a printformat, the number of prints and other print commands, which are storedas the print option data in the memory 96.

As shown in FIG. 18, after framing the photographic field, thephotographer releases the shutter 15 to make an exposure. Synchronouslywith the shutter release operation, the controller 95 writes the imagedata of one frame in the image memory 91. If the photographer does notwish to add any image or word to the photographed image, thephotographer operates the keyboard 103 to request feeding the filmstrip82 by one frame. Then, the controller 95 drives the not-shown motor torotate the take-up spool 83 and wind the filmstrip 82 on the take-upspool 83 by one frame amount. Thereby, the next unexposed portion of thefilmstrip 82 is positioned behind the exposure aperture 84. During thisone frame advancing, the print option data and the like is read from thememory 96, and is written by the magnetic head 92 on the magneticrecording track 106 b.

When the photographer wishes to add a graphic image, the photographeroperates the keyboard 103 to enter a command therefor. Then, the imagedata is read from the image memory 91, and is sent to the display device101. The display device 101 displays the same image as just photographedon the filmstrip 82. By drawing an appropriate graphic image on thedisplay device 101 by the touch pen 102, the graphic image is resolvedinto dots corresponding to pixels on the tablet digitizer. Hereinafter,the dots will be referred to as graphic pixels. Thus, the graphic imageis represented by a dot pattern, or called bit map pattern, or timesequential handwriting data, and is stored as graphic data in the memory96. As the graphic pixels have a lower resolution than the image data ofthe photographed image, it is preferable to adapt the resolution of thegraphic pixels to the resolution of the image data by interpolation.

The graphic data written in the memory 96 is sent to the display device101, and is synthesized with the image data from the image memory 91, sothat a synthesized image having the graphic image merged in thephotographed image is displayed on the display device 101. When acommand to terminate the graphic data entrance is input through thekeyboard 103, a menu for assigning edit command data to the graphic datais displayed on a bottom portion of the display device 101 in front ofthe synthesized image. It is alternatively possible to display the menuonly on the display device 101 in place of the synthesized image.

The edit command data is for designating the style of the graphic image,including the line width, the color, the method for smoothing thegraphic image, and the ornamental pattern assigned to the graphic image.The ornamental pattern is used for modifying the graphic image. Forexample, ornamental patterns for a pencil style font, a marker stylefont, a crayon style font, as well as various printing type fonts, arestored in the ornamental data table 115 in association with a tablenumber each. The photographer can enter the edit command data bychoosing on the display device 101 with the touch pen 102. If, forexample, the pencil style font is chosen, the graphic image written bythe touch pen 102 is modified such that it looks like drawn by thepencil on the printed image. In this embodiment, the individualornamental pattern is addressed by the table number, but it ispreferable to display icons of the respective ornamental patterns on thedisplay device 101.

The pixel density of the tablet digitizer on the display 101 is veryrough in comparison with the pixel density of the digital printer 112.For example, one graphic pixel corresponds to 30×30 pixels on theprinted image. Therefore, one graphic pixel is converted into aplurality of pixels arranged in a particular ornamental pattern, suchthat the graphic image is printed in a desired font. For example, onegraphic pixel shown in FIG. 19A is converted into an ornamental patternshown in FIG. 19B. In FIG. 19B, one square consists of 10×10 pixels.FIGS. 20A and 20B show an example of graphic pixel conversion, whereineach graphic pixel of FIG. 20A is converted into the ornamental patternshown in FIG. 19B, resulting in a modified graphic image as shown inFIG. 20B.

When the edit command is input, the display device 101 may preferablydisplay the graphic image modified according to the edit command, toallow the photographer to visually check the modified conditions.Thereafter, when the photographer enters a command to terminate the editcommand entrance, the controller 95 rotates the take-up spool 83 to windthe filmstrip 82 thereon by one frame amount. During this one frameadvancing, the graphic data, the edit command data, the print optiondata and other data is read from the memory 96, so the magnetic head 92writes the data read from the memory 96 on the magnetic recording track106 b.

In this way, each picture frame is photographed and, if desired, agraphic image to be merge-printed is input as graphic data. After anavailable number of picture frames are recorded on the filmstrip 82, thefilmstrip 82 is rewound into the cartridge 81. The cartridge 81 isremoved from the camera and is forwarded to a photofinisher. Thephotofinisher withdraws the exposed filmstrip 82 from the cartridge 81,and rewinds the filmstrip 82 into a not-shown intermediate cartridge.The intermediate cartridge is set in a photographic processor fordeveloping the exposed filmstrip 82. The developed filmstrip 82 isrewound back into the cartridge 81, and is set in the printer shown inFIG. 17.

As shown in FIG. 21, the printer rotates a spool of the cartridge 81 inan unwinding direction to advance the filmstrip 82 to the outside. Whilethe first picture frame is fed to the scanner 108, the magnetic head 111reads the data from the magnetic track 106 b of the first picture frame,and sends the data to the controller 109. The scanner 108 scans thefirst picture frame to pick up image data thereof, and sends the imagedata to the controller 109.

The controller 109 modifies the graphic data in accordance with the editcommand data with reference to the ornamental data table 115.Specifically, the controller 109 selects an ornamental pattern from theornamental data table 115 in accordance with a table number indicated bythe edit command data. Since the positions of the graphic pixels withinthe frame is already determined, the graphic pixels are converted in theselected ornamental pattern, providing a modified graphic image, asshown in FIGS. 20A and 20B.

Instead of converting each graphic pixel into an ornamental pattern, itis possible to trace the graphic image with an ornamental pattern. FIGS.22A and 22B show an example of tracing the graphic image, wherein anornamental pattern consisting of a circled “A” is used. First, eachornamental pattern is enlarged or reduced in size in accordance with theline width of the graphic image. Next, the graphic pixels are replacedwith the ornamental patterns while being centered with each other. Atthat time, the replacement of the graphic pixels may be skipped atappropriate intervals to thin out the ornamental patterns so as theornamental pattern may not overlap. However, it is possible to overlapthe ornamental patterns by intention.

As a result of the above graphic pixel conversion or replacement, theresolution of the modified graphic image is adjusted to that of thephotographed image, and the modified graphic image is positionedproperly in the photographed image. The controller 109 synthesizes themodified graphic image with the photographed image read by the scanner108 by substituting pixels of the modified graphic image forcorresponding pixels of the photographed image. It is also possible totake a weighted average of each color data of each pixel between themodified graphic image and the photographed image, to provide asynthetic image where the modified graphic image is overlapped as atransparent image on the photographed image.

Image data of the synthetic image is sent to the digital printingsection 112, which then prints the synthetic image on the colorphotographic paper 113. In addition, the frame serial number, the printorder number, the photo-lab ID number and other numerical data areprinted on the back side of the photographic paper 113.

When the first picture frame has been printed, the controller 109withdraws the filmstrip 82 by one frame, so the scanner 108 scans thesecond picture frame. If there is a graphic image assigned to the secondpicture frame, the magnetic head 111 reads out the graphic data. Thegraphic data is converted into modified graphic image, and issynthesized with the image of the second picture frame, in the same wayas described with respect to the first frame. Thus, the digital printingsection 112 prints a synthetic image of the second picture frame on thecolor photographic paper 113. In the same way, the following pictureframes are sequentially printed on the color photographic paper 113.When all of the picture frames on the filmstrip 82 are printed out, thespool of the cartridge 81 is rotated to wind up the filmstrip 82 intothe cartridge 81.

The color photographic paper 113 having the images recorded thereon isdeveloped through a paper processor, and is cut into individualphoto-prints. For instance, a photo-print corresponding to the firstpicture frame contains the same synthetic image as displayed on thedisplay device 101 in FIG. 15, though the graphic image is modified withan ornamental pattern designated by the photographer.

Although it is omitted from the drawings, a film inspection process isprovided between the film development and the printing, for checkingexposure conditions of the picture frames on the filmstrip 82 anddetermining exposure correction amounts for those picture frames whoseexposure conditions are not proper. The exposure correction amounts arerecorded as print-exposure correction data on the magnetic track 106 aof the filmstrip 82. Then, the digital printing section 112 controls theexposure amount for each pixel in accordance with the print-exposurecorrection data read from the magnetic track 106 a.

It is preferable to connect a color monitor and a keyboard to thecontroller 109. The color monitor displays an image simulating asynthetic image printed at an exposure amount. If it is determined basedon the simulation image that the printed image would not be optimum, thephotofinisher enters correction amounts through the keyboard. Then, thecolor monitor displays an exposure-corrected synthetic image. If thesynthetic image is printed at the manually corrected exposure amount,the manual correction amounts are recorded as print-exposure correctiondata on the magnetic track 106 a through the magnetic head 110, so themanual correction amounts may be utilized for reprinting.

Instead of choosing one of the ornamental patterns previously stored inthe ornamental data table 115, the photographer may create an ornamentalpattern. In order to give a marker-like texture or a pencil-like textureto the graphic image, an ornamental pattern may be produced by the useof the well-known computer graphic (CG) technique, or based on imagedata obtained by scanning a drawing written by markers or pencils.

FIGS. 23A and 23B show an example of producing an ornamental patternfrom a part of the photographed image. For this operation, thephotographer operates the keyboard 103 to set the camera in anornamental pattern registration mode. Then, the controller 95 displaysthe latest photographed image on the display device 101. It isalternatively possible to display an image of an appropriate pictureframe on the display device 101 by designating the frame serial number,on the assumption that the image memory 91 has a capacity enough tostore image data of all picture frames, e.g. 40 picture frames, of thefilmstrip 82. It is also possible to change the magnification of theimage displayed on the display device 101.

As shown for example in FIG. 23A, the photographer traces an outline ofan area or part 120 of the displayed image by the touch pen 102, todesignate the part 120 as an ornamental pattern. Then, a boundary line121 is displayed to show the course traced by the touch pen 102. Thus,the part 120 of the displayed image is registered as an ornamentalpattern as shown for example in FIG. 23B. It is possible to designate apart of the displayed image as an ornamental pattern through thekeyboard 103, by entering a center position and a size of the part.Then, a circular, rectangular or polygonal boundary line is displayedaround the designated center position in the designated size.

Although it is possible to record image data of the designated part asornamental pattern data on the magnetic track 106 b of the filmstrip 82,a certain recording area is necessary for the image data. Therefore,registration data locating the part designated as an ornamental patternis stored in the memory 96 and is recorded on the magnetic recordinglayer of the filmstrip 82. The registration data includes a film IDnumber, a frame serial number, data defining the boundary of the partregistered as an ornamental pattern, and a new table number given to thenewly registered ornamental pattern.

Once the part of the photographed image is registered as the ornamentalpattern, the photographer can utilize the ornamental pattern for anyother graphic images added to other picture frames by assigning the newtable number. The new table number is recorded as edit command dataalong with graphic data of a graphic image on the magnetic track 106 bin association with the picture frame to synthesize with the graphicimage.

The printer reads out the registration data from the filmstrip 82, andpicks up image data from the picture frame designated by theregistration data. The image data of the part registered as theornamental pattern is extracted from the image data of the designatedpicture frame. The image data of the registered ornamental pattern isstored along with the new table number in the ornamental data table 115.If necessary, the size of the ornamental pattern is reduced or enlargedbefore being stored in the ornamental data table 115. Thereafter, whenthe new table number is assigned as edit command for a graphic image toa picture frame, the printer reads out the registered ornamental patternfrom the ornamental data table 115, and converts graphic pixels of thegraphic image in accordance with the registered ornamental pattern, asshown for example, in FIGS. 24A and 24B.

It is also possible to register a handwritten pattern, includingcharacters, symbols and illustrations, as an ornamental pattern. Forthis operation, the camera of FIG. 15 is set in the ornamental patternregistration mode, and then in a handwriting mode. Then, the displaydevice 101 displays a blank over the whole screen area, so the user candraw an appropriate pattern 122 on the blank screen, as shown forexample in FIG. 25A. The handwritten pattern 122 is stored as bit mapdata in the memory 96. Thereafter, a boundary line 123 is written by thetouch pen 102 around the pattern 122. Thereby, image data of an areabounded by the boundary line 123 is stored as ornamental pattern data,as is implied in FIG. 25B. It is possible to use a plurality of colorswithin an ornamental pattern. To designate a color of each line or pixelof the ornamental pattern, color designation data is added to theornamental pattern data.

A table number is also given to the handwritten pattern for registrationas an ornamental pattern. The ornamental pattern data and the tablenumber are recorded on the magnetic recording layer of the filmstrip 82.The printer reads out the ornamental pattern data from the filmstrip 82,and writes it with the table number in the ornamental data table 115. Ifnecessary, the size of the handwritten pattern is reduced or enlargedbefore being stored in the ornamental data table 115. Thereafter whenthe table number of the handwritten pattern is assigned as an editcommand, the handwritten pattern is used as the ornamental pattern formodifying a graphic image.

In the printer shown in FIG. 17, the photographed image and the manuallyinput graphic image are electrically synthesized. As an alternative, itis possible to provide a frame exposure type printing section inaddition to a digital printing section, for optically synthesize thegraphic image with the photographed image. FIG. 26 shows an embodimentfor the optical image synthesizing. The frame exposure type printingsection consists of a light source 130, an LCD panel 131 that is putinto contact with the developed filmstrip 82, and a printing lens 133for forming an image of the picture frame on color photographic paper113. The light source is constituted of a white lamp and a diffusionbox.

For a picture frame with a manually input graphic image to synthesize, acontroller 134 drives those pixels of the LCD panel 131 opaque, whichcorrespond to pixels of the graphic image as modified. Other pixels ofthe LCD panel 131 are set in the transparent state at an identicaltransparency rate, e.g. 100%. Light from the light source 130 travelsthrough the transparent pixels of the LCD panel 131 and the pictureframe of the filmstrip 82, and is projected through the printing lens113 onto the color photographic paper 113. After an image of the pictureframe is printed in this way, the color photographic paper 113 is fed toa digital printing section 136. The digital printing section 136 printsthe graphic image on the color photographic paper 113 in an appropriateposition within the previously printed picture frame. In this way, thegraphic image is superimposed on the photographed image. Designated by137 is a back-printing section.

FIG. 27 shows a printer which has merely a frame exposure type printingsection only, according to another embodiment of the present invention.In FIG. 27, those elements which are equivalently used in the frameexposure type printing section are designated by the same referencenumber as used in FIG. 26. In this embodiment, however, an LCD panel 131should be a color LCD panel which consists of three color pixelsarranged in a predetermined matrix pattern, and is able to change thetransparency rate of its pixels each individually, so the gradation ofprinted three color pixels may be changed each individually.

When to print a picture frame with a graphic image to synthesize, thosepixels of the LCD panel 131 which correspond to the graphic image areset in the opaque state, while other pixels are set in the transparentstate of the constant transparency rate. Light from a light sourcetravels through the transparent pixels of the LCD panel 131 and thepicture frame on the filmstrip 82, and is projected onto colorphotographic paper 113 through a half mirror 140 and a printing lens133.

Thereafter, only those pixels of the LCD panel 131 which correspond tothe graphic image are set in the transparent state, so that the graphicimage is optically projected onto the photographic paper 113. As thelight for printing the graphic image travels through the picture frameof the filmstrip 82, color balance and intensity of the printing lightis influenced by colors and densities of the corresponding pixels of thepicture frame. Therefore, in order to print the graphic image in adesignated color at an appropriate density, it is necessary to controlexposure for each pixel of the graphic image so as to cancel the effectof the corresponding pixels of picture frame.

For this purpose, a half mirror 140 and a CCD 141 are provided. Thelight travels through the LCD panel 131 and the filmstrip 82 isreflected by the half mirror 140, and is directed to the CCD 141. TheCCD 141 has the same size pixels as those of the LCD panel 131, so thatthe amount of incident light on each pixel of the CCD 141 corresponds tothe amount of light traveling through each pixel of the LCD panel 131and the filmstrip 82.

Supposing that E(i, j) represents a desired print-exposure amount for aparticular pixel which is located at a coordinate point (i, j) withinthe LCD panel 131, I(i, j) represents an amount of light per unit timethat passes through the corresponding pixel of the LCD panel 131 and thefilmstrip 82, and T(i, j) represents an exposure time of thephotographic paper 113, the print-exposure amount E(i, j) may beobtained by controlling the transparent light amount I(i, j) and/or theexposure time T(i, j).

To control the transparent light amount I(i, j), each of those LCDpixels which are set in the transparent state for recording the graphicimage is set at a different transparency rate. First, all of those LCDpixels corresponding to the graphic image are set at an equaltransparency rate, and an exposure time T(i, j) necessary for obtainingthe desired print-exposure amount E(i, j) is calculated for each pixelbased on the amount of incident light on the corresponding pixel of theCCD 141. Among the calculated exposure times, the longest exposure timeis determined to be used for all pixels of the graphic image.Thereafter, the transparency rates of the LCD pixels are eachindividually changed to provide the desired print-exposure amount E(i,j). The calculation is done at the beginning of printing. Of course, itis possible to provide a shutter in front of the photographic paper 113,and open the shutter after determining the transparency rates of theconcerned LCD pixels. It is to be noted that the print-exposure amountis determined for each color, as the LCD panel 131 consists of threecolor pixels arranged in matrix.

When to control the exposure time T(i, j) while maintaining thetransparency rate unchanged between the LCD pixels for the graphicimage, it is necessary to control the ON-OFF timing of the concerned LCDpixels with high accuracy. In this case, the exposure time may becalculated for each pixel based on the photometric value from the CCD141 during the printing. As a method of controlling both the exposuretime and the transparent light amount, it is possible to change theexposure time stepwise, while controlling the transparency rate withineach step of exposure time.

Since ISO 135 type photo filmstrips are not provided with a magneticrecording layer, a data recording medium such as an IC memory card and afloppy disc may be used for recording the graphic data and the editcommand data. It is possible to incorporate an IC memory into a photofilm cartridge, for recording the graphic data and the edit command datatherein. In that case, data for correlating the graphic data with theconcerned picture frames is stored in addition to the graphic data.

It is possible to store image data of all picture frames on onefilmstrip in the image memory 91, and display the respective pictureframes one after another on the display device 101, thereby to permitentering and recording graphic data. The graphic data may be recorded inthe following ways.

The graphic data may be recorded on the individual magnetic tracks ofthe assigned picture frames. In that case, the filmstrip 82 is oncerewound back into the cartridge 81, and is advanced again from thecartridge 81 to record the graphic data on the magnetic tracks. If thegraphic data is entered and recorded in this way before the filmstrip 82is completely exposed, a next unexposed portion of the filmstrip 82should be positioned again behind the exposure aperture 84. But it isunnecessary to record data for correlating the graphic data with theconcerned picture frames.

Alternatively, the graphic data may be recorded all on a common magneticrecording area within the filmstrip. For example, the common magneticrecording area is located in a trailing end of the filmstrip 82, so thatall of the graphic data is recorded on that area immediately before thestart of rewinding the completely exposed filmstrip 82 back into thecartridge 81. The common magnetic recording area may be located in aleading end of the filmstrip 82, so that all of the graphic data isrecorded on that area at the end of the film rewinding operation. Inthese cases, it is necessary to add data for correlating the graphicdata with the concerned picture frames.

In the above embodiment, a graphic image to be synthesized with apicture frame is written on the display device of the camera after thephotography of the picture frame. But it is possible to enter thegraphic image immediately before the photography of the concernedpicture frame. It is also possible to enter the graphic image through aseparate graphic image input device. In order to make it possible toenter the graphic image through the separate graphic image input devicebefore the photo film is developed, image data of the picture framesmust be written in a recording medium concurrently with each exposure.Once the photo film is developed, the image data of the picture framesmay be detected by an image scanner. Based on the image data, thepicture frames are displayed on a monitor screen of the separate graphicimage input device. It is also possible to display a blank framecorresponding to the concerned picture frame on the monitor screen ofthe graphic image input device, and define a handwriting area within theblank frame. The graphic image is written in the handwriting area, andthen position data of the handwriting area is added to the graphic dataof the graphic image. Thus, the graphic image is merge-printed in thedesignated position within the picture frame.

It is possible to use a graphic image input device that uses a light penor another device instead of the touch pen.

As an image source for producing an ornamental pattern, not only animage photographed by the user, but also an image detected by an imagescanner, an image produced by a personal computer, a video image and soforth are available. It is possible to provide the camera of FIG. 15with a mode for converting handwritten characters into printing typecharacters. It is also possible to provide a mode for laying out theornamental patterns within the graphic image. For example, when theornamental patterns are overlapped each other within the graphic image,the user may determine whether data values of the two pixels overlappingeach other should be added to each other, or whether one of the twooverlapping pixels are replaced with the other. When the ornamentalpatterns are spaced each other within the graphic image, the user mayselect the spacing between the ornamental patterns.

By entering a graphic image as time sequential data, it is possible todetermine direction and speed of drawing a line per unit length. Theornamental patterns may be deformed based on the drawing directionand/or the drawing speed. For example, it is possible to turn theornamental pattern in accordance with the drawing direction, or changethe size of the ornamental pattern in accordance with the drawing speed,for instance, such that the width of the line decreases as the drawingspeed goes up. For changing the line width of the ornamental pattern,conventional thinning/boldfacing process is useful. For smoothing theline, conventional smoothing process is useful. The ornamental patternmay be fringed by boldfacing the lines and then coloring edge pixels ofthe lines.

FIG. 28 shows an image editing monitoring apparatus for editing avirtual photo album by screen editing, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The image editing monitoring apparatus 150 isconstituted of a film feeding section 151, a frame imaging section 152,an input image memory 153, a process controller 154, a magneticread-write section 155, an image processor 156, a work memory 157, anedit data memory 158, and a display controller 159.

The film feeding section 151 consists of a cartridge holder 161 forholding a photo film cartridge 160, a spool drive shaft 162, a guideroller pair 163, a feed roller pair 164, and a cylindrical filmaccepting portion 165. The cartridge holder 161 has a cavity and a lidfor closing an open end of the cavity. When the photo film cartridge 160is set in the cavity of the cartridge holder 161, the spool drive shaft162 is engaged with a spool of the cartridge 160. The spool drive shaft162 is driven by a motor 166 to rotate the spool in a winding directionor an unwinding direction. The motor 166 is also used for rotating thefeed roller pair 164.

The cartridge 160 has a device for advancing a leader of a filmstrip 167to the outside upon the spool being rotated in the unwinding direction.When the leader comes to squeeze into between the feed roller pair 164,the filmstrip 167 is transported by the rotational movement of the feedroller pair 164, and the spool drive shaft 162 is disconnected from themotor 166. The film accepting portion 165 accept the filmstrip 167 inthe form of a coil.

The frame imaging section 152 and the magnetic read-write section 155are disposed between the guide roller pair 163 and the feed roller pair164. The frame imaging section 152 consists of a light source 168 and animaging device 169. The light source 168 consists of a fluorescent lamp170 whose light emission properties are suitable for the photo film, anda reflector 171 and a diffusion plate 172. The imaging device 169 isconstituted of an image scanner having a line image sensor, which scansthe picture frames synchronously with the film feeding, detecting imagedata from the picture frames. The image data is stored in the inputimage memory 153.

The magnetic read-write section 155 reads photographic data from atransparent magnetic recording layer of the filmstrip 167 through amagnetic head 174, and sends the photographic data to the processcontroller 154. In this embodiment, the photographic data includes frameserial numbers which are used for identifying individual picture frames.If the filmstrip 167 has already been subjected to an edition process asset force in detail below, edit data is recorded on the transparentmagnetic recording layer of the filmstrip 167. Then, the magneticread-write section 155 reads the edit data as well as the photographicdata, and sends the data to the process controller 154.

The process controller 154 is constituted of a microcomputer, andsequentially controls the respective elements of the image editingmonitoring apparatus 150. A keyboard 175 and a mouse 176 are connectedto the process controller 154, so the image editing monitoring apparatus150 may be switched over between an imaging mode, an edition mode, and amonitor mode by operating the keyboard 175 and the mouse 176. Theprocess controller 154 is installed with a program for editing the imagedata, which is activated when the edition mode is selected. Conventionalphotography processing software may be used as the program for editingthe image data. It is, of course, possible to program specific softwareto the edition mode of this embodiment.

If the edit data is not read out from the filmstrip 167, the processcontroller 154 automatically sets the image editing monitoring apparatus150 in the edition mode. If the edit data is read out from the filmstrip167, the process controller 154 determines that the filmstrip 167 hasbeen through the edition process, and automatically sets the imageediting monitoring apparatus 150 in the monitor mode. In addition, it ispossible to manually select either the edition mode or the monitor mode.

In the edition mode, a pasteboard area or a virtual photograph albumpage 182 and a frame display area 183 are displayed side by side on ascreen 181 of a color monitor 180, as shown for example in FIG. 29. Theimaging device 169 picks up image data from the respective pictureframes on the filmstrip 167. The image processor 156 processes the imagedata for negative-to-positive conversion and for density and colorbalance correction, and then compresses the image data. Based on thecompressed image data, a plurality of picture frames, e.g. six pictureframes at one time, are sequentially displayed in the frame display area183 on the monitor screen 181. It is possible to display all pictureframes of one filmstrip 167 at once in the frame display area 183. It isalso possible to magnify a desired one of the plurality picture framesor a part of one picture frame on the monitor screen 181, for visualconfirmation of the image detail.

The user can edit an appropriate picture frame by designating the frameserial number, the location to paste the picture frame in the pasteboardarea 182, and the size and shape of the picture frame on the pasteboardarea 182. The edition process is carried out one picture frame afteranother. Specifically, the user selects a picture frame 185 to editamong a plurality of picture frames 185 displayed on the frame displayarea 183 by clicking a designated push switch of the mouse 176 oncewhile placing a pointer 184 at that picture frame 185 by use of themouse 176. Thereby the process controller 154 reads in the frame serialnumber of that picture frame 185. Thereafter, the user drags the mouse176 to move the pointer 184 from the selected picture frame on the framedisplay area 183 to an appropriate position of the pasteboard area 182.When the user drops the mouse 176 at the appropriate position, theselected picture frame is pasted into that position on the pasteboardarea 182. It is possible to omit the click step, and designate thepicture frame and its pasting position just by the drag and drop step.

Thereafter, the user rolls out a frame shape selection table W1 on thescreen 181, as shown in FIG. 30, and designates the shape of theselected picture frame by setting the pointer 184 at one of table areasW1A1, W1A2, . . . W1A6, and W1A7, and clicking the mouse 176 at thatposition. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 30, the table areas W1A1 toW1A7 respectively represent a rectangular frame, a square frame, a roundframe, a pentagonal frame, a hexagonal frame, a heart-shaped frame, anda rhombic frame. For instance, the user clicks the mouse 176 whilepointing at the table area W1A1, so the rectangular frame is assigned tothe selected picture frame 185. If is, of course, possible to prepareother shapes as frame shape options than those listed in the presentembodiment. It is also possible to customize and register a specialframe shape.

In this way, an appropriate number of picture frames, e.g. frames No. 1to No. 3, are selected from the frame display area 183, and are pastedin desired frame shapes onto appropriate positions of the pasteboardarea 182, one frame after another, as implied by dragging lines S1, S2and S3 in FIG. 29. Each picture frame pasted on the pasteboard area 182may also be partly or wholly magnified for visual confirmation of theimage detail.

It is also possible to relocate the pasting position of the pictureframe within the pasteboard area 182 by the same drag and drop operationas above, as shown for example by a drag line S4 in FIG. 29. Themovement of the pointer 184 from the initial position to the finalposition, e.g. the course of the drag line S4, is sampled at regularintervals, and is stored as course data in the edit data memory 158.

Not only the course data, but all of the edition process is stored asedit data in the edit data memory 158, in a time sequential fashion asshown for example in FIG. 31. In FIG. 31, a command set number is aserial number given to each edition process such as pasting, relationetc. in a time-sequential fashion. For the sake of easy understanding,the same numbers S1 to S4 that are used for designating the drag linesare used as command set numbers for the corresponding edition processes.As edit data items, content of command, an image source, a processresult, supplemental data, and a display time duration are stored foreach edition process.

As will be described later, the image editing monitoring apparatus 150reproduces based on the edit data the edition processes of therespective picture frames time-sequentially on the color monitor 180 inthe monitor mode. The display time duration for displaying each editionprocess in the monitor mode may be given by the user during theindividual edition process in the edition mode.

According to the present embodiment, the user may roll out a displaytime duration table W2 on the screen 181, as shown in FIG. 32, andassign a time duration to the present edition process by clicking one oftable areas W2A1, W2A2 . . . W2A5 of the display time duration table W2.For example, by clicking the table area W2A2, the display time durationis set at 3 seconds. By clicking the table area W2A5, the user can setup an appropriate display time duration other than predeterminedoptions, including 1 second, 3, 5 and 10 seconds in the embodiment shownin FIG. 32.

As the content of command, there are “paste” and “relocate”. As theimage source, the frame number of the picture frame selected to paste isstored for each pasting process, or an initial position in thepasteboard area 182 is stored for each relocation process. As theprocess result, a pasting position in the pasteboard area 182 is storedin either case. As the supplemental data, an area data file is storedfor each pasting process, or a course data file is stored for eachrelation process.

As the content of command, there may be “delete frame”, “magnify frame”,“reduce frame” and “rotate frame” in addition to “paste” and “relocate”.For instance, in response to the command “frame delete”, a designatedpicture frame is displayed for a given time and then deleted. Eachpicture frame may be magnified or reduced or rotated about a referencepoint. To delete the picture frame, it is possible to reduce the size ofthe picture frame to zero while shifting the position of the pictureframe. It is also possible to magnify or reduce or rotate the pictureframe while shifting the picture frame along a given course.

The user enters a reference point, a magnification or reduction rate, ora rotational angle of the selected picture frame by use of the mouse 176and the keyboard 175, while rolling out tables therefore, though theyare not shown in the drawings.

The area data file includes a file name, an area number, a frame shape,a reference position, a magnification or reduction rate, and/or arotational angle of the picture frame. FA1, FA2, FA3 . . . are used asthe file names for identifying the individual area data files. The areanumber represents a location of the pasteboard area that is selected asthe final pasting position. The frame shape represents one of the frameshapes selected from the frame shape selection table W1.

The course data file includes a file name, a command set number, andcourse data. FB1, FB2, . . . are used as the file names for identifyingthe individual course data files. As the command set number, a commandset number given for that relocation process, i.e. S4 in this instance,is stored. As the course data, positions of the reference point of thepicture frame are sampled at regular intervals, i.e. at every 1/10seconds, during the relocation process, and are stored as coordinatevalues along with the relative times.

When a decision key of the keyboard 175 is operated to terminate theedition mode after the edit data of the respective edition processes aretime-sequentially stored in the edit data memory 158, the filmstrip 167is rewound back into the cartridge 160, and edit data is written on themagnetic recording layer of the filmstrip 167 through the magnetic head174 of the magnetic read-write section 155.

In the monitor mode, the edit data read from the filmstrip 167 is sentto the process controller 154. The process controller 154 controls theimaging device 169 to pick up image data of only those picture frameswhich are designated by the edit data. The image data is stored in theinput image memory 153, and the image processor 156 processes the imagedata for negative-to-positive conversion and for density and colorbalance correction. Thereafter, the image data is stored in the workmemory 157. The process controller 154 edits the image data stored inthe work memory 157 in accordance with the edit data. The color monitor180 displays only the pasteboard area 182 in the monitor mode, andedited picture frames are displayed in the pasteboard area 182 in a timesequential fashion, as shown for example in FIG. 33.

First, a first picture frame is displayed in a designated location ofthe pasteboard area 182 in the form of a rectangular frame for adesignated time duration t1, e.g. 3 seconds, showing the first editionprocess S1. Next, the second picture frame is displayed in the form of acircular frame in addition to the first picture frame, showing thesecond edition process S2. The second edition process S2 is shown for adesignated time duration t2. Then, a third picture frame is displayed inthe form of a hexagonal frame in addition to the first and secondframes, showing the third edition process S3. The third edition processS3 is shown for a designated time duration t3. Thereafter, the secondpicture frame moves along the same course that the second picture framewas moved within the pasteboard area 182 in the edition mode, as impliedby a line L1 in FIG. 33, showing the fourth edition process orrelocation process S4.

In this way, the user can review the edition processes of the respectivepicture frames in the time sequential fashion. By operating a freeze keyof the keyboard 175 at any stage in the monitor mode, the image of thepasteboard area 182 is frozen, and data of the frozen image is sent to acolor printer 187, so the color printer 187 makes a hard copy of theimage of the pasteboard area 182. The hard copy may be filed in a photoalbum.

The image editing monitoring apparatus 150 of the present invention maybe installed in a house, and a home TV may be used as the color monitor180. The color printer 187 may be an ink jet printer, a thermal printer,or the like. It is also possible to make a hard copy of the image of thepasteboard area 182 through a photo-printer. For this purpose, the filmwith the edit data is forwarded to a photofinisher. FIG. 34 shows aprinter-processor 190 for this embodiment. The printer-processor 190 isprovided with an index printing section 192, a main printing section193, and a paper processing section 194 which are arranged along a pathof color photographic paper 191. The index printing section 192 isconstituted of a digital printer, which picks up image data of allpicture frames of one filmstrip, and makes an index print that containsall picture frames of one filmstrip. An image editing section 195 havinga similar construction to the image editing monitoring apparatus 150 isconnected to the index printing section 192, so the index printingsection 192 may print out a hard copy of the edited picture frames, inthe same way as described with respect to the image editing monitoringapparatus 150.

If the data read from the magnetic recording layer of the filmstrip 167includes the date of photography or the title given by the photographeron the camera side, the date of photography or the title may bedisplayed besides the picture frame on the color monitor 180. It is alsopossible to enter title or message as a graphic image and synthesize itwith a photographed image in the edition mode of the image editingmonitoring apparatus 150. The graphic image may be input by use of amouse, a touch pen, or a light pen, and may be processed as words, or asdrawings. In any case, the process of entering the graphic image is alsostored as an edition process in the edit data memory 158 in associationwith a command set number. It is possible to store and reproduce thecourse of movement of the mouse or the pen in the monitor mode,displaying the graphic image entering processes in more interesting way.

As described so far, the image editing monitoring apparatus of thepresent invention facilitates pasting and relocating picture frames on apasteboard of a virtual photo album, and provides a wider room formodifying the image quality and the frame shape or size. Since only theedit data is recorded in a recording medium in the edition mode, and isread out from the recording medium in the monitor mode for use inprocessing image data of the concerned picture frame that is picked upthrough the image scanner, it is unnecessary to record the edited imagedata. Accordingly, a small capacity recording medium, e.g. a magneticrecording layer on IX 240 filmstrip, may be used for recording the editdata.

In the above embodiment, each edition process such as pasting,relocating or deleting the picture frame, or changing the magnificationof the picture frame, is displayed time-sequentially in the monitormode. It is also possible to display other image processing steps in themonitor mode. For example, when the user wishes to make the imageenhancement, the user may define a range of those parameters whichdetermine the degree of enhancement. Then, a picture frame is displayedwhile varying the enhancement parameters with the time within the range,so the user can observe the degree of enhancement that varies with thechange of the parameters. In the same way, it is possible to display thechange of parameters for the smoothing, unsharpening, densitycorrection, color balance correction, or soft-focusing in the timesequential fashion. Furthermore, it is possible to display the processof giving special effect or texture, like watercolor texture or oilpainting texture, to the image.

Although the image editing monitoring apparatus 150 automaticallyprepares edit data files during the edition processes and stores them inthe form as shown in FIG. 31, it is possible to prepare edit data filesby use of a text editor or the like. It is also possible to modify theedit data prepared during the edition processes by use of the texteditor or the like. For example, another edit command may be added tothe edit data, or the sequence of deletion may be changed. The edit dataof each edition process itself may also be modified.

The image editing monitoring apparatus of the present invention isapplicable not only to editing images photographed on photo film, butalso to editing the photographed image in combination with image datastored in other recording media, e.g. image data obtained from a TVbroad casted signal, a video image signal, image data or word data froma personal computer.

Thus, the present invention is not to be limited to the aboveembodiments but, on the contrary, various modifications may be possibleto those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of claimsattached hereto.

1. A synthetic image printing method for forming and printing asynthetic image from a handwriting message written by a user and subjectimage data obtained by an image pickup device, comprising the steps of:forming and printing out a sample image from said subject image data,said sample image including said subject image; writing said handwritingmessage on said sample image; scanning said sample image with saidhandwriting message thereon, for extracting handwriting message data;and forming and printing out said synthetic image from said handwritingmessage data and said subject image data, wherein said sample image isprinted out such that a density of said subject image is lower than amaximum density given by a density resolution power in said scanning. 2.A synthetic image printing method described in claim 1, wherein saidextraction of said handwriting message data is performed based on adifference between said sample image with said handwriting messagedigitalized by said scanning and said subject image data.
 3. A syntheticimage printing method described in claim 1, wherein said subject imageon said sample image has lower density than a density of saidhandwriting message.
 4. A synthetic image print forming apparatus forforming and printing a synthetic image from a handwriting messagewritten by a user and subject image data obtained by an image pickupdevice, comprising: an image processor for forming a sample image fromsaid subject image data, said sample image including said subject image;a printer section for printing out said sample image to said user, saiduser overwriting said handwriting message on said sample image; and ascanner section for scanning and digitizing said sample image with saidhandwriting message thereon as digital data, said image processorextracting handwriting message data from said digital data and formingsaid synthetic image from said subject image data and said handwritingmessage data, and said printer section printing out said syntheticimages, wherein said printer section prints out said sample image suchthat a density of said subject image is lower than a maximum densitygiven by a density resolution power of said scanner section.
 5. Asynthetic image print forming apparatus described in claim 4, whereinsaid image processor extracts said handwriting data based on adifference between said digital data and said subject image data.
 6. Asynthetic image print forming apparatus described in claim 4, whereinsaid subject image on said sample image has lower density than a densityof said handwriting message.